In order to encourage social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19, states and localities across the country have necessarily begun putting restrictions on the operation of businesses. As we now know, you can spread the deadly virus without even having symptoms, and the risks posed are 10 times that of the flu. While our public policy decision makers debate how to handle this crisis, and decide which retail locations will have added restrictions, it is critical to remember the important role convenience stores play in the supply chain of everyday items, as well as fuel.
Around the U.S., there are 152,720 convenience stores, which accounts for over 34 percent of all retail outlets in the country. There is a convenience store accessible to every congressional district and neighborhood in America. And they are intensely local businesses. Convenience stores have a deep understanding of the needs of their customers and can adapt quickly to changing demands.
Convenience stores sell most of the gas purchased in the country, approximately 80 percent of all fuel sold in the United States, as well as critical everyday items. These essential items include medicine, bottled water, food and access to cash (operating around one-third of all ATMs). In addition, convenience stores offer electronic benefits, with over 110,000 convenience store locations being authorized to redeem SNAP benefits, providing critical resources to families in need.
Convenience stores are one of the few 24/7 businesses that provide the much-needed food and fuel for millions of Americans, especially first responders, police officers, firemen, factory workers, hospital workers and restaurant employees who work nontraditional hours. This includes the 15 percent of workers who work second or third shifts that have to do their shopping long after most other stores are closed.
Convenience stores also provide access to essential items for under-served communities, where there often isn’t a grocery store for miles. For many who live in “food deserts,” convenience stores act as the primary supplier for goods and food. In rural areas, convenience stores are often the only place to buy groceries, fuel or other products or services. More than 8 in 10 rural Americans say that a convenience store is within 10 minutes of their home.
More importantly, when disasters or emergency situations occur, convenience stores are resilient, remaining open as long as they can without putting their own employees’ safety or wellbeing in harm’s way. You see this during weather emergencies like hurricanes, when convenience stores are often the only businesses still open and available to meet the needs of their customers. This includes making sure fuel, food, and other necessities are available for emergency workers.
For these reasons and more, it is critical that we recognize convenience stores as a key component of the food and essential goods supply chain for communities across the country, and ensure that they are allowed to remain open as long as it is safe and responsible to do so. Without them, it will only add to the uncertainty and increase the suffering and anxiety of American families.
President Trump has acknowledged the need to protect the food supply chain, particularly given the rush to purchase essential items that has occurred over the past few weeks. During a recent call, President Trump highlighted how stores help the American people feel calm and safe by providing access to the resources they need. I hope the president, governors, and other elected officials remain steadfast in their support for keeping convenience stores open, because families across the country depend on them.
Henry O. Armour is the President and CEO of the National Association of Convenience Stores.
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